Alumni

Alumna Promoted at Northwestern Mutual

Northern Michigan University alumna Beth Rodenhuis was recently appointed by as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and business architect at Northwestern Mutual, a financial security company based in Milwaukee. She is responsible for technology and digital strategy with oversight of strategic execution and prioritization of the company's strategy, platform and operating model design, technology health and enterprise architecture.
Beth Rodenhuis

Cyprus Natives Reunite with Gant Hall Housemates

Erhan Raif and his brother, Korhan, were flipping through Barron's Collegiate Guide in their native island country of Cyprus decades ago, seeking an international student experience in the United States. Northern Michigan University's profile attracted their attention because of its academic programs and size, among other qualities. They decided to trade the Mediterranean for Lake Superior in the early 1980s and embarked on what Erhan calls “an American adventure I'll always be grateful for in Marquette.”
The reunion included Gant Hall housemates (standing from left) Mike Wasche, Erhan Raif, Ray Hall, Dr. Korhan Raif and Scott DeKryger, along with (seated from left) Dr. Ayça Raif, Nesrin Raif, Terry Hall and Sheila Hall.

Clemens Named to MACC's Rising Leaders Cohort

Randi Clemens, executive administrative assistant/adjunct assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's English Department and an NMU alumna, is one of 16 individuals statewide selected to join the Michigan Arts and Culture Council's  2025–2026 Rising Leaders cohort. Clemens is the only representative from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to be named to this year's group.
Randi Clemens

Nine Recently Appointed to Alumni Advisory Board

The nine recent appointees to the Northern Michigan University Alumni Advisory Board bring a diverse range of professional experience and perspectives. They represent decades of leadership across education, law, healthcare, engineering and public service. The recent additions are: Charlita Anderson White, Dan Blood, Cody Bonk, Alejandra Magaña, Ryan McAllister, Dan Miller, Jessie Neece, Kate Sartori and Josh Todd.

Alumna is TV News Director

Northern Michigan University alumna Shannon Konoske is getting settled in to her relatively new role as news director at WLUC-TV6 in Marquette. She oversees the station's news operations, guides editorial direction and fosters innovative approaches to engage viewers across TV6 & FOX UP platforms. 
Konoske

NMU Night at Red Wings Nov. 7

Northern Michigan University alumni and friends are invited to join fellow Wildcats at NMU Night at the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, in Little Caesars Arena. A free pre-game gathering with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The Taphouse presented by Bell's Brewery.
Photo from past NMU Night at the Detroit Red Wings event

NMU Alumni Awards Presented

Northern Michigan University honored the three recipients of its 2025 Alumni Awards at a luncheon during Homecoming. Dr. Peter LaPine ('76 MA) of East Lansing received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Retired NMU professor and alumna Barb Coleman ('77 BS, '81 MS) of Marquette was recognized for Alumni Achievement, and Ian Lewis ('18 BS, '22 MPA) of Laurium received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Award recipients (from left): Ian Lewis ('18 BS, '22 MPA) of Laurium, Outstanding Young Alumni; Dr. Peter LaPine ('76 MA) of East Lansing, Distinguished Alumni; and Barb Coleman ('77 BS, '81 MS) of Marquette, Alumni Achievement.